Reece Joel Oxford (born 16 December 1998) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Borussia Mönchengladbach on loan from Premier League club West Ham United. Oxford made his debut for West Ham aged 16 years and 198 days, making him the club's youngest ever player, beating a record of 16 years and 221 days set in 1922 by Billy Williams.
Video Reece Oxford
Club career
Oxford was born in Edmonton, London, and was a boyhood supporter of Arsenal. He began playing football at Tottenham Hotspur's academy but was released from the club in 2011. He then joined West Ham United at under-13 level. He turned out for the under-18 team while still an under-15 schoolboy, and made the bench for a League Cup match in August 2014, still aged 15.
On 11 January 2015, Oxford signed a long-term professional contract with West Ham. Four months later, he won the Dylan Tombides Academy Player of the Year Award.
Oxford made his competitive, first team debut on 2 July 2015, aged 16, starting in midfield in a 3-0 win against Andorran club Lusitanos in a UEFA Europa League first qualifying round first leg tie. In so doing, he became West Ham's youngest ever player. He then made his Premier League debut on 9 August, playing the first 79 minutes before being substituted for Kevin Nolan as West Ham won 2-0 away to Arsenal. Following his start, Oxford became the second-youngest Premier League starter of all-time, after Jose Baxter.
Ahead of the 2016-17 season, Oxford was named in The Daily Telegraph's list of the best youth prospects in English football. On his 18th birthday, 16 December 2016, Oxford signed a new, four-and-a-half year contract with West Ham. Just over one month later, he was sent on loan to Reading for the remainder of the season. He made his Reading debut on 11 March 2017 in a 3-0 away defeat to Preston North End, coming on as a second-half substitute for Paul McShane. He made five appearances, his final match being the 8 April away defeat to Norwich City, 7-1.
On 21 June 2017, Oxford was sent on loan to German Bundesliga club Borussia Mönchengladbach for the 2017-18 season. He did not make his debut until 28 October when he came on as an 89th-minute substitute for Lars Stindl in a 1-3 win against Hoffenheim.
Maps Reece Oxford
International career
Oxford has played for England up to under-20 level and captained his country at the 2015 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. The Young Lions reached the quarter-finals, and Oxford scored in the penalty shootout as they defeated Spain in a play-off for the 2015 U-17 World Cup. West Ham refused permission for him to play in the U17 World Cup in Chile, fearing that exposure to an international football tournament would lead to burnout.
Style of play
UEFA.com has described his playing style as, "Tall and quick, he is not daunted in the face of illustrious opponents." On several occasions, Oxford has been compared to former West Ham academy graduate Rio Ferdinand.
Personal life
Oxford is of Jamaican descent through his grandfather. His grandfather, Karl, is the brother of the Jamaican footballer Neville Oxford.
Career statistics
- As of match played 28 October 2017
Honours
- West Ham Academy Player of the Year Award: 2011
References
External links
- Reece Oxford profile at the official West Ham United F.C. website
- Reece Oxford at Soccerbase
- England profile at The FA
Source of article : Wikipedia
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